Charlie Sheen, Denise Richards involved in vaccine debate

TMZ has obtained a copy of a letter sent by attorneys for Charlie Sheen to the pediatrician for Sam, 4, and Lola Rose, 3, Charlie’s children with ex-wife Denise Richards. The May 13 letter formalizes an earlier telephone conversation in which Charlie’s attorney indicated that the 42-year-old actor no longer consented to the doctor’s ongoing treatment of the girls.  Although no reason for the refusal to consent is given, TMZ is reporting that the dispute surrounds Sam and Lola receiving their childhood immunizations — something Charlie opposes and Denise supports. 

According to TMZ the two are so at odds over the question of whether or not to vaccinate their children, that a judge may soon need to decide the issue for them.

Source:  TMZ; Photo by Michael Simon/Startraks.

Comments

I don’t know what immunization they are disputing exactly, but it’s very important to protect children against the almost-gone diseases !!! I hope that they will reach the decision soon and get the girls the immunization they need

- Nikka on June 10th, 2008

Nikka, Charlie is against ALL vaccinations.

- Lilly on June 10th, 2008

Yay Charlie! We don’t vaccinate our children at all and never will. I hope he is not forced to allow his girls to be vaccinated.

- shawna on June 10th, 2008

These are very importany things for children to get. I think Charlie and Denise’s battle has gotten out of hand. There daughters need themto make the proper decisions for them.

- tegan on June 10th, 2008

Wow! What an unfortunate mess their divorce has become. I hope the children are, as much as possible, oblivious to all this fighting, and it affects them as little as possible.

- Michelle on June 10th, 2008

They seriously need some sort of mediator, every time I turn around one of them is mouthing of at the other, or disagreeing on children issues.

If it doesn’t stop soon, these kids are going to have problems!

I cannot see that a judge would side with Charlie on this one. Charlie must be afraid of the autism/vaccine theory.

- Ivey on June 10th, 2008

I think some vaccinations are a good idea, but I think certain ones are just plain stupid and add unnecessary risk(chicken pox for example). Jenny McCarthy is convinced her son developed autism because it was too much too soon. I think there is room for compromise here that can reduce the risks(only certain vaccines).

- kate on June 10th, 2008

But at this point, haven’t the girls pretty much received most the vaxes they need? Or have they not been vaxed at all yet.

I am actually glad this is making news. While I do vax my kids on a delayed schedule, I am very uneasy about all the extra ingrediants in vaccinations. Maybe this will increase awareness and some changes can be made.

- JJS on June 10th, 2008

At the ages of three and four, Lola and Sam should probably have received at least some vaccinations already, even if they are being innoculated on a delayed schedule. I wonder why this is an issue now, and can’t help but wonder if it was a topic they initially agreed on, and are now making an issue out of in order to get back at each other.

It’s unfortunate that Charlie Sheen and Denise Richards are involved in a custody dispute that puts their children in the public eye, and it doesn’t seem that they are doing much to change this situation.

- sarah on June 10th, 2008

I wonder what a judge would decide?
In Australia it is a bit different. First, all the normal immunizations are free. Secondly, childcare centres pretty much demand that children are vaccinated and require copies of their records. So I imagine a judge in Australia would side with Denise.

- Kate on June 10th, 2008

i feel sick reading this. fighting over whether they go on tv is 1 thing, possibly endangering their health is something else entirely. where’s DR. PHIL?????!!!

- ang on June 10th, 2008

Don’t they have to be vaccinated to attend school?

- Carol on June 10th, 2008

Did Charlie recently change his veiws or has he always been against them?

- Alisa on June 10th, 2008

Charlie seems to be going out of his way to drag his ex-wife through the mud. What’s so ironic about this situation is that Charlie has admitted to doing drugs, yet he won’t allow his kids to be vaccinated in order to keep them healthy. I can see where parents might have hesitations about vaccinating their kids as infants because of autism, but the girls are 3 and 4. Surly, if something were wrong, wouldn’t they be showing signs of a problem by now? I know many people will disagree with me here, but Charlie seems to be obsessed with Denise. I mean, he’s remarried and still going to great lengths to annoy Denise. Seriously, what is his deal?

- C'estmoi on June 10th, 2008

Charlie seems to be going out of his way to drag his ex-wife through the mud. What’s so ironic about this situation is that Charlie has admitted to doing drugs, yet he won’t allow his kids to be vaccinated in order to keep them healthy. I can see where parents might have hesitations about vaccinating their kids as infants because of autism, but the girls are 3 and 4. Surly, if something were wrong, wouldn’t they be showing signs of a problem by now? I know many people will disagree with me here, but Charlie seems to be obsessed with Denise. I mean, he’s remarried and still going to great lengths to annoy Denise. Seriously, what is his deal?

- C'estmoi on June 10th, 2008

Charlie seems to be going out of his way to drag his ex-wife through the mud. What’s so ironic about this situation is that Charlie has admitted to doing drugs, yet he won’t allow his kids to be vaccinated in order to keep them healthy. I can see where parents might have hesitations about vaccinating their kids as infants because of autism, but the girls are 3 and 4. Surly, if something were wrong, wouldn’t they be showing signs of a problem by now? I know many people will disagree with me here, but Charlie seems to be obsessed with Denise. I mean, he’s remarried and still going to great lengths to annoy Denise. Seriously, what is his deal?

- C'estmoi on June 10th, 2008

Honestly is there anything these two ARE NOT disputing? I mean come on…at some point doesn’t all this need to stop and they need to at least be CIVIL for the same of those innocent, beautiful girls. I’m not saying these are not important issues but at some point haven’t enough courts been involved. I just feel sorry for Sam and Lola and I do hope that Charlie and Denise can really think about what they are doing to their daughters and put them first…

- Megan on June 10th, 2008

I can’t believe how these two act – everything is done in court! Can’t they find a way to be civil for the sake of their kids?

- Jennifer on June 10th, 2008

The use of vaccines is debatable and I can see why there are individuals who have a problem with this. Vaccinosis may be a problem (moreso in the pet population) – not so much with kids. In my opinion, certain vaccines are debatable (eg: flu vaccine, chicken pox, etc.) However, some are absolutely necessary in order for effective prophylaxis (eg: hep A/B/C especially for individuals that travel a lot – such as celebrity babies!) So hopefully, they come to a mature and realistic resolution that will be of benefit to their children.

- Adri on June 10th, 2008

honestly when does this end?
I know there are two sides to every story but they are putting these children through heck!!!
They are small now but when they grow up this constant battle is going to make them nuts!!
Let them get immunized and stop causing a fit over each and every little thing.
It is tiring just reading it all, I can only imagine how it is actually living it!!

- lola on June 10th, 2008

I believe that it should be a personal decision to vaccinate your children or not. It’s too bad they can’t compromise in some way, but I guess that’s what happens when you get divorced – it’s just sad all around. The judge will surely force the vaccinations, and that is IMO out of line – it should not be his/her decision. It should be the parents’ decision.

- KellyC on June 10th, 2008

C’cestmoi, it isn’t just Charlie doing mud slinging. Denise has done her fair share as well. Sadly, I think these two are so wrapped up in finding ways to hurt each other that they don’t even think how this might hurt their daughters. I’m sure they both love their girls. But they seem to love antagonizing each other more. I’m amazed the judge hasn’t ordered them to take some sort of class that helps parents learn how to parent without being at each other’s throats.

As far as the vaccinations go I’m sure both girls have received all vaccinations the school system would require. It’s possible that Denise wants further vaccinate them (i.e. chicken pox vaccine) while Charlie is opposed.

- Angel on June 10th, 2008

This situation is very messy, too bad because they have two children together. Divorce is never easy, but it’s ten times worse when the parents can’t argue on anything. Sadly they have years to try to raise their daughters together.

- brooke on June 10th, 2008

Kelly: The reason a judge would become involved is because the parents((who should make the decision)) can’t seem to make one.

Sam is already at the age where she should be starting school, so their must be vaccine regulations that Denise is trying to abide by.

- tiffanyyy on June 10th, 2008

I never liked Denise, but seeing things like this makes believer she probably is in one of the worst situation. Batling a guy who can do anything in order to make her life worse.. Sorry, but I am terrible against this guy opinions.

- xena on June 10th, 2008

I think it should be illegal if parents don’t vaccinate their children.

You need to protect them from harmful viruses.

- Rayan on June 10th, 2008

I never thought I would EVER agree with anything Denise did/said…But, I’m totally for vaccinating against serious illnesses like Polio, Hepatitis, etc.

- Nicole on June 10th, 2008

I’d be livid if my ex decided I could not vaccinate our kids further. I believe some vaccines are over the top but they are likely arguing over boosters to immunizations they’ve already received. My son needed a vaccine before starting Kindergarten…

I agree that it’s a personal decision but with his history of drugs, it’s hard to take his claim on this seriously.

- Tracey on June 10th, 2008

This anti-vaccine crusade is verging on hysteria w/o any scientific proof. Chicken pox can kill, flu can kill. Before vaccines, the infant and children mortality rate was so high people considered themselves blessed if at least one of their children survived to school age. My grandmother lost her first 2 chldren in the 1920′s to a disease that a $5 vaccine can now prevent. They both died within days of each other.
Also, your not taking vaccines not only affects you but others too. There was measles outbreak in the midwest that was brought back from a teenager who took a trip to Romania who had not been vaccinated against measles and she infeted others who also had not been vaccinated.
In 1914-1918, millions of people around the world, died from a particularly virulent form of the flu, young people and children were the majority of the dead. There is a great fear in the medical community that this particular virus could reappear in our lifetime.
So this attitude that vaccines are worse than the diseases they prevent is deadly.

By the way, Mr Sheen is also a person who belives in conspiracy every where. He belives our government is behind 9/11. Not that they ignored the signs but deliberately led those planes into the buildings. Any one who is thinking of putting this man’s opinion on a pedastal should do some serious research on him first.

- rachelsun on June 10th, 2008

i think that vaccination is a very important thing. it protects children from various diseases and in my country Greece starts as soon as 2 months old with the DTP. the vaccine which is over dispute because of possibly causing autism is the MMR which is done in 14 months and again in four years, but doctors say that its lack could cause brain damage. my opinion is that the advantages of the vaccination are more than the disadvantages and in no way someone can endanger somebody else’s life, especially if the other is a small kid.

- foni on June 10th, 2008

While all states differ, here in CA we have three kinds of vaccine exemptions – philosophical, religious, and medical. The youngest 2 of my 5 children are unvaccinated, and both are in school (one in a public elementary, the other in a college run preschool), and all I had to do was sign a waiver that basically states that if there is an outbreak of particular disease (chicken pox, mumps, measles, whatever) that my children are not allowed to attend school until the issue is resolve.
Unfortunately, I don’t think there is any way Charlie will win this one, unless one of the girls has a specific history of vaccine reaction. The judge will more than likely concede to Richards on this one and the girls will have to get vax’d.

- Sadie on June 10th, 2008

Charlie really needs to back off. I have never seen a man so determined to badmouth the mother of his children. Vaccines are important and the girls should have them. Charlie needs to grow up.

- Mary-Helen on June 10th, 2008

Honestly I just wish that these parents would do everything behind closed doors and that the judge would put a gag order on everything that they say so that these girls wont be further hurt by what they will eventually hear when they get older. My heart goes out to these two little girls and these parents need to stop the public fighting and put their differences aside for their children’s sake. Lola and Sam deserve far better than that.

- Robin on June 10th, 2008

If my husband and I were to divorce and he tried telling me I had to vaccinate our children I would do everything in my power to stop it. I am VERY much opposed to vaccines and thankfully me and my husband have agreed on it. But I would fight for my beliefs if it came down to it.

- Kayla on June 10th, 2008

Vaccines create a sort of “herd immunity.” Diseases don’t spread among people who are immune to them, which protects individuals who are not vaccinated. Those without immunity to diseases, such as newborn babies and people who cannot be vaccinated because of health conditions, are the most vulnerable to complications of diseases that WILL make a comeback if large sections of the population eschew vaccinations.

As much as I’d like to say that vaccination should be an individual decision, choosing not to vaccinate your child does put other people in danger.

- sarah on June 11th, 2008

Didn’t they talk about things like this before they had children? I hope Sam and Lola don’t know how much their parents (seem to) hate each other.

- chris on June 11th, 2008

Divorce is tough. Vaccinations are a tough issue- especially when both parents feel so differently and so strongly. I hope they figure it out soon because otherwise they are in for a LONG 18+ years of parenting together. Btw, I don’t think Charlie is crazy at all. It seems like in this divorce, Denise is the one who has come across as a little whacked in the head. I just feel really bad for the beautiful little girls stuck in the middle of this unfortunate public divorce.

- Erika on June 11th, 2008

I still don’t understand how anyone can be against vaccines. There is no scientific proof that they cause autism. It’s just a theory that hasn’t been proven. Not getting your children vaccinated seems like to me a very unhealthy choice to make. I doubt anyone wants to see polio and other disease come back. I know it’s a parents decisions but I wonder how many have actually discussed it with their family doctor. I wish more people would not make assumptions by information on the Internet that hasn’t been proven when it comes to their children’s health. I hope the judge allows Denise to get her children vaccinated

- Renee on June 11th, 2008

There has to be a leak in this case. How did TMZ get a letter from his lawyer to the kids doctor? VERY shady!

I too am surprised they haven’t been ordered to do co-parenting classes together.

- Alisa on June 11th, 2008

This isn’t a new battle between them, the vaccine debate has been going on for a couple of years now between Charlie and Denise I honestly wonder if the girls have had many vaccines at all. I heard this same story about Charlie getting ticked at her a couple years ago.

I won’t get into the whole vaccine debate with anyone. It is too personal for me.

- tink1217 on June 11th, 2008

Carol, there are exemptions you can get for your children so they can go to school without receiving their vaccinations. If I’m not mistaken, all states have medical exemptions, and most have philosophical and religious exemptions.

- Rebecca on June 11th, 2008

Yeah right, I am sure that Charlie is really upset about vaccines. It seems to me he goes out of his way to be a thorn in Denise’s side every chance he gets. I think he is more upset that she left him than vaccines. Children need vaccines, that’s a fact. Many people would have died or been crippled if it weren’t for smallpox and polio vaccines.

- Ella on June 11th, 2008

I have a child with autism, and if I ever have another child, he or she will definitely be getting vaccinated. Dying of a preventable disease is far worse than anything we will ever have to deal with from autism.

The only waivers are philosophical, which sounds like someone who just doesn’t want to be told that someone else knows better than they do. Like biting off your nose to spite your face, as the old adage goes. Someone who is stubborn and knows everything.

There’s religious, and as a religious believer myself, I can’t imagine that any “God” or “church” would want your children to die from preventable illness.

There’s medical, where the child is too sick or compromised to receive vaccinations, in the slightest chance that they will get worse. Fully understandable.

Other than that, I can’t for the life of me come up with reasons not to do it. And that is coming from the mother of a 6 year old boy with autism. Vaccinations have never been linked to autism, and the majority of medical professionals and scientists can vouch for that. If you are getting your information from Jenny McCarthy, please know that the majority of the doctors and scientists say that she is wrong and that her son wasn’t even autistic in the first place. There is no cure for autism and autism doesn’t come from vaccines.

As for the people on here who don’t want to get their kids vaccinated, I was wondering why?

Autism is not a death sentence, but measles, mumps, hepatitis, and rhubella could be.

- Beverley on June 11th, 2008

I read somewhere and I believe it was in people magazine that he was against the kids getting vaccination shots. They were still “happily” married at the time of the article and Denise Richards stated that they did not agree on the issue of vaccinating their children.
I see both sides here. Not like it matters what I see.

- gg on June 11th, 2008

I remember hearing that this was a big problem even when Sam was a baby, and that was years ago. It’s got to be difficult to have both parents on complete opposite sides of the issue. Though, now that the kids are 3 and 4, I assume they’ve already received most of their vaccinations? Even for those concerned about vaccinating, they’d have to be less “at risk” now that they’re older.

Personally, I plan on vaccinating on an alternate schedule. I think vaccinations are very important, but I’m very leery of how many vaccinations tiny kids are given at once. To me, the jury is still out on this issue, and I’ll strike a middle ground.

- Kerri on June 11th, 2008

Robin, I completely agree. Regardless on where you fall on the “to vaccinate or not to vaccinate” debate, these two are out of control. Both of them need to take a step back and look at the way their constant public bickering is going to affect their two little girls.

I’m so tired of hearing about their bitter divorce and their squabbling. Grow up and handle this like adults, and do it BEHIND CLOSED DOORS.

- chatty cricket on June 11th, 2008

I didn´t know there is a theory that says vaccines are related to autism. Here in my country (Cape Verde Islands) we get them from an early age and i never heard no one complaning that he caused autism to any child, actually i don´t think anyone here knows about this theory.

- rita on June 11th, 2008

I think Charlie is a shady, shady man. Denise may be a bit dramatic and over the top sometimes, but you can tell how much she loves her girls. Vaccines are a tough issue, but I did the research and felt very comfortable vaccinating my children…7 and 4. I can’t imagine having to fight every decision for my children in court. That would be awful for everyone! Charlie is a bizarre guy if you ask me.

- Kimberly on June 11th, 2008

Didn’t he try to say Denise was poisoning the kids by getting them vaccinated? Charlie comes across as just wanting the opposite of whatever his ex wants. Period. And, I don’t really think all that much of her either so this doesn’t come from a “I love Denise” perspective. These 2 would fight over what toothpaste the kids should use. I hope they find a way to resolve this and all their other issues. It’s not good for those girls.

- kris on June 11th, 2008

Well, to all the people that said vaccines do not cause autism, the fact remains nearly all cases of autism were diagnosed after a child was immunized. The child was okay, they got immunized, then all of a sudden they “disappered.” That cannot be refuted. Researchers and the government continue to turn a blind eye to what is in front of their faces; a 1 in 150 epidemic of children getting autism. Look at the immunization schedules. Holy toledo, all those foreign viruses and bacteria being pumped into a child’s defenseless body. What do you think the polio, chicken pox, and MMR vaccines are? Distilled water?

For those of you born before 1980, look at your immunization schedule. You will see how things were spaced out, and how few vaccines you had compared to now. Are you okay? So maybe that’s what Charlie is doing. Maybe he is not against vaccines per se, just the whole dumping of them all at once in the space of 3 years, especially those “all-in-one” shots, including boosters.

So before everyone gangs up on Charlie for being irresponsible in not wanting his daughters to get immunized, perhaps stop and think he’s been doing his research, talking with his doctor, and I’m sure he’s seen Jenny McCarthy and other celebrity parents speaking up about their children’s health problems after getting immunized and he’s just being cautious. Like someone said before, it is not the law to have your child immunized in order to attend school. There are waivers, so that excuse doesn’t fly.

Immunizations are a personal decision, and I think all parents need to really look at the past and the present and wonder why an illness that was very uncommon 20 years ago is now raging out of control around the world, especially in North America. 1 in 150 children coming down with autism is something to be concerned about and if immunization has even one little cause for that then Charlie is doing his daughters good by delaying their vaccines for another two years or so.

- DLR on June 11th, 2008

I was not vaccinated at all. I have had one shot in my life, which was for tetanus. I have maybe had the common flu 5 times in my life. I’ve never needed an antibiotic for anything.The human immune system is great if you let it get strong! I am 22 now. My husband and i decided not to vaccinate our son as well.While i understand why people would vaccinate their children. i found the risks associated with vaccines to great. The preservatives in vaccines like monkey tissue and fermaldihide are horrible for anyone, especially newborns. Along with the amount of mercury in most vaccines. They give a vaccine to a newborn, which has the amount of mercury an adult body would be able to handle. Also, many vaccines have expiration dates that parents do not know about. To load a newborn up with all of these diseases at such a young, fragile age is horrible. They are just beginning to get used to this outside world. My son is 20 months now and has never been sick. While some people say, “This anti-vaccine crusade is verging on hysteria w/o any scientific proof”. Everyone can have their own opinions and not pass judgement. Parents should do as much research as possible and make an intelligent decision, regarding their children. Studies are coming out now about the long term effect of vaccines in children. As well as vaccines being related to autism. i have a question, has anyone heard of a child who was not vaccinated getting autism? i haven’t found anyone.

- Mayan on June 11th, 2008

DLR I disagree. You are going by assumptions, not pure facts. Until it’s scientifically proven that autism is caused by vaccines I don’t fully buy it and I’m shocked some people are.Also some of the sites that claim to have the information you are talking about are not reliable ones. Please, I hope people talk about this with their doctors. Don’t believe everything you read on the internet or by someone who isn’t a medical doctor or your personal doctor

- Renee on June 11th, 2008

Renee, having worked as a medical researcher in oncology since 2002 I think I have come across very valid information and opinions with regards to the possible effects vaccines have on autism. Note I said possible, not actual. If you look at the research (just go to Medline and look up autism and immunization/vaccines) saying autism is not caused by vaccines, look at who the researchers are working for and who is funding their research. My paycheque is partially from a pharmaceutical company whose main interest is ensuring patients use their drugs, and that is something I am very aware of considering the cost of cancer drugs is often out of the reach of many patients. I am not against vaccines per se, just the whole influx of vaccines on someone so young, especially if there’s still vaccines being made with mercury. There are heriditary and environmental factors to also take into consideration that can trigger autism in a child coupled with a heavy immunization schedule. For example, in the 1900s a child might only receive the smallpox vaccine, whereas by the 1950s children would have been offered five vaccines (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, and smallpox). Today most immunization programs offer protection against nine diseases (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, haemophilus influenza type b, meningocococcal infection, measles, mumps, and rubella), with the administration of several combined vaccines at target ages.

- DLR on June 11th, 2008

My kids are not vaccinated nor will they ever be. I cant imagine that any parent would use this as “ammo” in a custody issue. If my husband all of a sudden decided that he wanted to put toxins into my children, I’d be FUMING that he was using our children’s health to get to me! I’m wondering if she just recently decided they “need” vaccines or if this is new? If they are 3 and 4 and dont have them, then why all of a sudden does she want them now? Vaccines are not just about autism. Do people research the actual ingredients? Blood toxicants, nuerotoxins, carcinogenics…the list goes on. All everyone ever equates vaccines to is “autism” and it goes WAY beyond that. I say way to go Charlie for even making the effort to research vaccines. Most people dont even do that.

- Des on June 11th, 2008

“Denise may be a bit dramatic and over the top sometimes, but you can tell how much she loves her girls.”

I actually don’t think you can tell how she feels about her kids. I see a woman who badmouths her children’s father every chance she gets, and uses her children to get publicity. Not exactly my idea of a loving mother. I think she needs to grow up and stop dragging her children into the spotlight.

I’m really curious as to why there are those who are so vehemently against Charlie that will still defend Denise to the living end when they are both doing innappropriate things. They are both publicly badmouthing one another, they are both constantly fighting, they are both guilty of carrying on this war. I see no innocent victims here other than the children.

- Grace on June 11th, 2008

Autism is usually a life sentence. Chicken pox lasts about a week. I’ll take the chicken pox.

- kate on June 11th, 2008

First of all I have to say that both of my kids have been vaccinated. But I also want to say that I nearly didn’t have them vaccinated with some of the “extra” vaccinations they give these days. First off, the Flu vaccine doesnt keep you from getting the flu. It can sometimes prevent you from getting certain strains of the flu. In my case, I got a flu shot containing live virus (25% of the shots given this year contained it for some reason) and had such a severe case of flu that I had to be rushed to the ER in respiratory distress due to the severity of the illness. The only times in my life I’ve ever gotten the flu was when given the flu vaccine. Second, the Chicken Pox vaccine does NOT prevent your child from getting the Chicken Pox. It can keep them from getting severe cases of it, but in some children they get the full blown chicken pox anyway. Third, there are harmful chemicals in many of the vaccines still given that are known carcinogens, terrotogens, etc. These are chemicals known for causing birth defects, how is it that they dont cause damage in a growing child? The answer is, THEY CAN. It’s a personal choice as to whether you vaccinate your child. School systems are now required to accept children when they have a signed and certified letter stating that Vaccines are against their personal/religious preference. Yes, with Vaccines we have stopped our children from dying from many childhood diseases. But at what cost? Thats where a parents personal choice comes into play. A parents job is to make the best choice possible for their child. My children will not be getting flu shots or Chicken pox vaccines. That is my choice based on personal experience and education. Charlie has the right as a parent (regardless of his past) to dispute vaccination. The way he goes about it leaves a lot to be desired, and I wish these two would grow up and communicate like normal adults.

- Callie on June 11th, 2008

I agree with the people who say vaccines are totally necessary. I think the choice shouldn’t be a personal one, but the law. Granted some are over the top, but many are SO IMPORTANT!!! By not vaccinating, you are putting your children in danger of catching many deadly diseases, and also putting others at risk as well. I can’t imagine what kind of an epidemic could break out if people continue to choose to not vaccinate their kids down the road.

To me, this semi-parallels the smoking issue. Sure, smoking is a personal choice, but why do you think it’s been banned in so many indoor places? It not only causes the smoker cancer, but also harms the people who are forced to breathe in the second hand smoke. They are harming themselves, and OTHERS.

- alex on June 11th, 2008

I would have to agree with you Alex.This anti-vaccine talk worries me.

- Renee on June 11th, 2008

@ Alex:

Thats incorrect. If you immunized your kids, they would NOT be at risk for being infected by someone with that illness, so really it’s only other people who chose to abstain from vaccines that are at risk. At least, if the vaccines work as well as the government would have us believe.
Your comparison to second-hand smoke is wrong. You cant Immunize against it, THATS why its banned.

- Callie on June 11th, 2008

Thanks Renee!

That’s not my point, Callie. I know only others who don’t get vaccinated are the ones at risk. I’m talking about way down the road (which is why I said “down the road”) if these parents continue not vaccinating their children, and what could happen when the number of people in th US/world who are not vaccinated overtake the number of people who are. I’m not worried about my children, who are vaccinated, and perhaps this is a slippery slope, but think about it. What kinds of epidemics could come from that? Rachelsun was talking about the measles outbreak from someone who didn’t get vaccinated, and how it spread to others (who weren’t vaccinated). Those people were in the minority, so it was more easily contained than if say half the population wasn’t vaccinated for it. Imagine if this happened in 50-100 (or more) years when say, the majority of the people who are babies now, aren’t vaccinated and another outbreak occurs. How do you suppose it will be stopped or contained? It could be disaterous.

In this article from the New England Journal of Medicine, it talks about how measles have been eliminated in the US thanks to immunizations. http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/355/5/447
And like I said, I don’t think all vaccinations are necessary, but many are.

I agree with rachelsun who also said: In 1914-1918, millions of people around the world, died from a particularly virulent form of the flu, young people and children were the majority of the dead. There is a great fear in the medical community that this particular virus could reappear in our lifetime. So this attitude that vaccines are worse than the diseases they prevent is deadly.

And sorry, but an opinion cannot be wrong. I never stated a fact. I said, “to me” and also said that I was merely comparing it in a “semi-parallel” way to provide an example that what you do to yourself and your children is one thing, but if it can harm others, you should stop to think about it a little more.

- Alex on June 11th, 2008

Ok really, when will they stop this incessant bickering? Those poor girls are probably so torn as it is. They’re both in very fragile developmental states and need their parents to get along for their well being. As for this absolute nonsense about vaccinations, it is COMPLETELY absurd to think that children should no be vaccinated against contagious diseases. This is how epidemics are started. These vaccines have worked just fine for decades and now, because some celebrities tell us they are harmful, we believe them. Until these celebrities, who are mostly talentless hacks anyways, obtain medical degrees of some sort than I will take their word for what it is, complete stupidity. I will have my children vaccinated and I will move my children from schools where classmates are not vaccinated because I refuse to put my child’s life in jeopardy due to a bunch of nature loving hippies. I’m siding with Denise Richards, kids should be vaccinated and Charlie needs to do some research on the types of diseases his children will be vulnerable to if they don’t receive them.

- Christina on June 11th, 2008

Alex: I think what a lot of people who are pro-vaccine and using the “down the road we’ll have huge problems argument” fail to realize is that a lot of the deadlier illnesses that the medical community claims vaccines cured were already on the decline BEFORE vaccines came out. Better living conditions (cleaner water supply, better food quality, etc) helped to drastically lower the number of people who contracted these illnesses. It was not all the so-called wonders of vaccines that did that.

- Grace on June 11th, 2008

Callie: It does not only affect other people that CHOOSE not to vaccinate. Vaccination of the population also protects other people that CANNOT vaccinate like Newborns or people with certain diseases (weak immune system\cancer therapy, etc).

- tzu on June 11th, 2008

I don’t believe that vaccinations cause autism, but I do believe that every parent should be informed before making their choice.

When the bird flu epedemic hits the US, the flu vaccine may help save your life. I also believe that many of these diseases will re-emerge as more people choose not to vaccinate their children. It’s a parent’s choice, but I would vaccinate my children on an alternate schedule.

- terri on June 11th, 2008

Aluminum, mercury, formaldehyde, antifreeze, aborted fetal tissue….these are just some of the things that people are WILLINGLY injecting into their children. You can listen to all the medical “authorities” who tell you these things are not harmful but common sense tells you otherwise.

- shawna on June 11th, 2008

I’m glad I took the time to look up info about those ingredients listed by shawna. Those ingredients are used as the first steps in preparing some of the immunizations. They are also safely used in everyday products. The purification process removes these before they are used in our children. It’s our own choice to vaccinate our children, but please do include ALL the info next time.

- jen on June 11th, 2008

I think that the parents need to talk about this because it is serious.
If you have not done your own independent research I suggest you do. I personally an an advocate of informed consent. There is a reason they have opposing views and I hope that Denise and all parents will look at the issue seriously and make an informed decision. Ask yourself…What is in that needle, do the risks outweigh the benifits of dieases that most can survive?

http://www.nvic.org
http://www.drtenpenny.com

- sunshine on June 16th, 2008

IMO Vaccines DON’T work and Herd immunity is a load of Bull Crap!
Yes you read correctly, there has never ever been a single study to even prove that vaccines actually work! Wow, how scientific!
Testing for antibodies does not equate to immunity…that is absolutely ridiculous as people without antibodies to a particular disease can recover perfectly well!
And as for herd immunity..Hmpff..why do so many fully vaccinated children contract the diseases they are vaccinated against(and BTW it’s not the milder version like you’re told) and why have there been epidemics of measles in communities that are 99% vaccinated? Because they DON’T WORK!
I challenge anyone to present forward a double blind placebo study showing the efficacy for ANY vaccine. And no I don’t mean a study for antibodies or supposedly lower rates of disease.

Well done Charlie Sheen, I wish you all the best. As for the stupid ignorant Bitch Denise Richards – DO YOUR RESEARCH!

- miriam_grace on July 5th, 2008

My beautiful little boy was perfectly NORMAL until he received his MMR shot at 15 months. Within 24 HOURS he lost ALL His speech, eye contact, had HORRIFIC diarrhea and started incessant screaming. There is no way his autism could have been caused by anything else for it to have happened that soon afterward! Those of you who don’t believe that vaccines can cause autism obviously don’t have a child with autism, or are misguided and are believing the CDC and the AAP who LIE on a regular basis! Vaccines are BIG money, no way are they going to admit there is a problem. Oh, and by the way, autism treatment is NOT covered by insurance, despite proof that the treatments work and children can and have recovered. I will NOT vaccinate ANY of my children ever again!!!

- Tess on December 21st, 2008